GW17 Tottenham v Chelsea

Big Game Hunter

Tottenham is currently a spot above Chelsea, as they complete the top four of the table behind the two clubs from Manchester. The Spurs have only dropped one of their last 13 assignments; the 1-2 lost was at Stoke City. While the hot and cold Blues will be gunning to bounce back from a disappointment in Wigan, it resulted to a 1-1 draw.

Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp is assumed to deal the game without  right winger Aaron Lennon, who suffered a hamstring injury in the recent clash against Sunderland. In addition, left winger Gareth Bale is still nursing an ankle injury, doubtful but will be in the bench. Though, the manager has the option of playing Bale, given the magnitude of the game. On the bright side, striker Jermaine Defoe is expected to be back in time coming also from a hamstring injury. 

For the Chelsea manager, Andre Villas-Boas is presumed to have a lesser issues on fielding the player. Two players are doubtful for the upcoming match, centre back David Luiz with minor knee injury and attacking midfielder Ramires recovering from muscle injury. However, the manager has the luxury of bringing in Jose Bosingwa in defence and Frank Lampard to orchestrate the attack. 

Both teams are clinical in building up their play deep from the back, quick passing or doubling on either flanks, and bringing the ball into play in front of the keeper. Spurs got Van der Vaart and Bale on both flanks and could bring the ball to the middle for Adebayor. Likewise, Blues will rely on Mata and Sturridge in working the ball towards the box for Drogba. Thus, the defenders of both teams have plenty of work tonight.

In my outlook, the game could go either way. If neither of the team could dictate the midfield battle, a  low scoring draw is imminent. However, given the fluidity of both teams to attack, I could see an exciting 3-or-more-goal match.